With the Pittsburgh Steelers hunting in the free agent market, the Washington Commanders are set to release defensive captain and two-time Pro Bowl defensive Jonathan Allen, according to a report by Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan discussed at his NFL Scouting Combine press conference that the team likely will be looking to make a splash acquisition on the defensive line.
The Commanders had reportedly given Allen permission to seek a trade last week, but that was not come to pass. Allen had been entering the final year of his contract from an extension signed with Washington in 2021. His release will cause Washington to incur a $6 million dead cap charge, but will also provide $16.5 million in savings this season.
Allen is coming off of an injury-plagued season that limited him to only eight regular season games this season. He finished the year with only three sacks, seven quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss.
Allen could be a good fit in Pittsburgh, especially after Khan stated that the Steelers have the resources to make a splash on the defensive line on Tuesday. Allen primarily lines up as a three-technique and 4i-technique lineman who has made a career of being a strong pass rusher; something the Steelers value in their defense. Allen has 42 career sacks and averaged a half a sack per game over the last two seasons.
Pittsburgh is looking to replicate a similar blueprint to that of the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, and the Steelers have made the trenches a point of emphasis since Khan and assistant general manager Andy Weidl were hired in 2022. The Steelers have spent five draft picks in the past two drafts in the third-round or earlier on positions all along the defensive and offensive lines.
While the Steelers have been heavily invested in the 2025 NFL Draft class along the defensive line, they could certainly look to make an upgrade there in free agency, as well.
Jobe Morrison contributed to this story.